[BioUSA] K-Bio Gathers in Boston, Targeting the Global Innovation Stage

Samsung Biologics Announces Entry into CRO Business
Celltrion: "Firm Direction for New Drug Development"

"During this year's BioUSA, we have scheduled around 100 business meetings. We have prepared our booth so that visitors can get a comprehensive view of our company's strengths and services in contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) and contract research organization (CRO) capabilities."

This was explained by a representative from Samsung Biologics, whom we met at the site of "BioUSA 2025," the world's largest pharmaceutical and biotech exhibition, which has been taking place in Boston, USA, for four days starting on the 16th (local time).

On the 16th (local time), at the Samsung Biologics booth set up at BioUSA held in Boston, USA, James Choi, Vice President of Sales Support at Samsung Biologics Sales Center, is conversing with a client company representative. Photo by Choi Taewon

Samsung Biologics, which is leading the global CDMO market, announced its entry into the CRO sector at this exhibition. For the first time, the company unveiled its organoid (artificial organ)-based CRO service, which can serve as an alternative to animal testing during clinical trials. CRO refers to a business that supports drug development from the early discovery phase through preclinical and phase 1 clinical trials. Samsung Biologics plans to start collaborating with client companies from the drug candidate discovery stage using organoids. Organoids are "mini organ models" created by aggregating and culturing stem cells or tissue-derived cells in three dimensions.

James Choi, Vice President of Sales Support at Samsung Biologics Sales Center, said, "To help client companies easily understand our drug screening service, 'Samsung Organoid,' we have installed an interactive touchscreen at our booth," adding, "We expect this will effectively communicate our technological strengths and expertise."

The Samsung Biologics booth, set up at the entrance of the exhibition and covering 167 square meters, continuously attracted visitors. After viewing the LED wall explaining Samsung Organoid and interacting with the touchscreen, many visitors approached company representatives for further questions. All four meeting rooms within the booth were fully booked for business meetings. A representative from Samsung Biologics said, "To ensure tangible results, we dedicated about 60% of the booth space to business meeting rooms," and added, "We have over 100 pre-scheduled meetings."

On the 16th (local time) at the BioUSA event held in Boston, USA, representatives from client companies visiting the Celltrion booth assembled parts on a 'Lego keyring' while participating in a survey. Photo by Choi Taewon

Leading Korean pharmaceutical and biotech companies such as Samsung Biologics, Celltrion, SK Biopharm, and Lotte Biologics are participating in BioUSA to strengthen their networks with global pharmaceutical and biotech professionals. Organized by the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), this event brings together industry stakeholders from around the world to discuss partnerships, and this year marks its 32nd edition. The exhibition is being held under the theme "The World Can't Wait." It is expected that around 9,000 companies and 20,000 participants from 90 countries will attend.

Celltrion has set up a 140-square-meter booth and is working to expand partnerships with global companies to strengthen its new drug pipeline. For the first time this year, Celltrion is participating in the corporate presentation session, introducing the entire process from pharmaceutical research and development (R&D) to clinical trials, regulatory approval, production, and sales to industry professionals. A Celltrion representative said, "The number of companies seeking collaboration on innovative drug development has increased significantly compared to last year," and added, "We are committed to developing new drugs and selling them directly, while maintaining our capabilities in the biosimilar business." Celltrion plans to expand its collaborations with global companies through approximately 110 prearranged meetings.

On the 16th (local time), a lucky draw event was held for participants at the SK Biopharm booth at the BIO USA event in Boston, USA. Photo by Choi Taewon

This year, SK Biopharm opened its own independent booth at the event for the first time. The company is seeking opportunities to expand its global business, led by its epilepsy drug Cenobamate. Lotte Biologics is also operating an independent exhibition booth, focusing on promoting the competitiveness of its Syracuse Bio Campus and Songdo Bio Campus.

The interest of third-generation business leaders was also notable. Choi Yoonjung, Head of Business Development at SK Biopharm and eldest daughter of SK Group Chairman Chey Taewon, said, "Through BioUSA, we aim to once again showcase our innovative new drug development capabilities and global partnership expansion strategy to the world," adding, "Based on the insights and networks we have built so far, this year we plan to pursue more concrete collaboration opportunities and strengthen SK Biopharm's position within the global healthcare ecosystem."

Shin Yooyeol, Executive Vice President and Head of Future Growth at Lotte Holdings and eldest son of Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dongbin, also visited the Lotte Biologics booth and expressed his anticipation, saying, "(Many global meetings) are taking place."